A NEW garden and spa facilities are being lined up at a leisure centre planning a major transformation. 

Bosses at David Lloyd Leisure, in Snakes Lake, Eastwood, want planning permission to extend the centre and bolster the spa area, including the addition of an outside garden.

The plans submitted to Southend Council form part of a “cultural transformation to increase mindfulness and wellbeing” at the site. 

The proposed development will include a new sauna, hydro-pool, and fire pit.

READ MORE >> Four vehicles, a caravan and two industrial units alight in Billericay fire

Daniel Cowan, councillor responsible for the St Laurence Ward where David Lloyds is based, says the proposals would be a welcome addition to the centre.

He said: “After a tough few years, we have all been reminded how important wellbeing is.

“The application for an outdoor spa sounds really nice.

“As long as it doesn’t impact on residents in the area, it will be a good addition to the centre and area.”

The application, which was submitted last week, reportedly comes amid requests from club members about upgrading the facility.

In the plans put forward, it stated: “David Lloyd Southend currently has limited spa facilities, with no facilities provided outdoors.

“There have been numerous requests for the upgrading of the current facilities from club members.

“The area proposed for the spa extension is an existing service area and outdoor terrace that provides little use to the club.

“The area proposed for the spa garden currently comprises an under-used lawned area.

“The development seeks to bring this land back into a meaningful use for the club.”

Planning documents add the new facilities will be hidden by a line of trees running along the north of the site, and will have minimal visual impact on the nearby Kingsdown School and homes along Whitehouse Meadows.

Bosses say they also plan to change all outside lighting at the centre, using low-level LED ones instead to cut down on energy use. 

They add that no changes will be made to the car park or entrance to the site. 

Southend Council’s planning officers will have the final say on the proposals.